A Friend In Need
Jim Wright is the “type of guy who would really do anything for you,” according to Jim’s friend, Rob Lundholm of Lundholm Landscaping.

Jim discovered Cape May when he was stationed here as a member of the Coast Guard. He fell in love with the town, as well as a local girl named Christa Jones, who would become his wife. Jim settled here, where he wowed locals with his knack for making beautiful furniture, got a job managing the Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May, and volunteered with the fire department.

He didn’t stay for good, though — Jim and Christa moved to Millville, NJ, then to Florida, and eventually to be with his family in Michigan, where Jim’s brother died from cancer a couple of years ago. But Jim left quite an impression on the folks here, who know him as a simple, honest guy who loves his family dearly.

Which goes to show, sometimes really terrible things happen to really good people.

Recently, Jim — a not-yet-50-year-old father of four young children who likes BB King and currently works at Lowe’s — was diagnosed with Stage 4 myoepithelial carcinoma, a terminal disease as rare as it sounds.

And once again, Cape May is preparing to rally around one of its own.

Not only has a page been established in Jim’s name on gofundme.com, in order to raise money that will offset medical expenses — at press time, $1,970 had been raised in just 13 days — a beef and beer will happen at the Cape May VFW from noon to 4pm this Sunday, December 8. Tickets are $20 at the door, and include a meal of hot roast beef, meatballs and salad, as well as live entertainment from Carl Behrens.

“There’s bound to be some ribbing, too,” Rob said. “Jim is a Detroit fan, and Detroit is playing the Eagles this day.”
Come out, show your support, and remember what makes this town so great.

Talking Turkey
There’s a new street gang in town. Actually, it’s not a gang, but a rafter —that’s the word for a group of domesticated turkeys. The Stimpson Lane crew is comprised of nine large birds, according to flock owner and Stimpson resident Danielle Volpe. With names like Jimmy Dean, Stofer, and Butterball you might not think these guys are intimidating enough to rule the West Cape May roost, but you’d be wrong — you’re not driving to Broadway via Stimpson unless the gang decides it’s okay.

“The worst thing you can do is honk,” Danielle told us about the last turkey-created traffic jam (a three-car back-up) in West Cape May. “They’ll sound off and surround your car.”

We’ve seen Butterball and his cohorts turn a growling, barking EZ puppy into a defeated scaredy-cat just by pufffing their feathers, after said dog dared venture from his own yard and onto Danielle’s front porch. And we did catch wind of an incident involving the turkey gang and a teacup belonging to neighbor Sue Lotozo of Flying Fish. “We have turkey time-outs,” Danielle said.

But for the most part, the birds aren’t mischievous — just really adorable.

“The white-breasted whites are the traditional meat turkeys,” Danielle said, when we asked how these guys had managed to escape inevitable turkey fate on Thanksgiving. “That was their original purpose but, well… they’re just so cute.” Especially when they come knocking on Danielle’s door because she’s inside baking and the birds want to say hello.

Apparently, the turkeys also wanted to say hello during Cape Fitness’ Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving day. These guys really did trot the greater portion of Stimpson Lane with the runners, even though they rarely venture more than two doors down. “They’ve very curious,” Danielle said. Event participant Kashi Davis of Cape Island Runners captured the whole thing on video (check it out on EZ’s Facebook page) which NBC 40 later aired.

Like the goats, pigs, and four dogs that share the property, the turkeys are pets. “We got them for fun,” Danielle said. That they happen to scare away the hawks which prey on the chickens which provide the eggs you can buy from Danielle and her father? That’s just a great bonus.

So keep your eyes peeled the next time you’re driving down Stimpson, and don’t get your feathers ruffled (womp, womp) if you spot a gang member on the street.

Crushing Hunger
A crowd of at least 120 turned up at Tabernacle United Methodist Church on November 26 to package meals for Stop Hunger Now, the international hunger relief agency that distributes food to starving people across the globe. Their mission? Put an end to hunger in our lifetime. Sound impossible? Since 1998, they’ve sent over 125 million meals to 65 countries.

When the church held this event last year, it was a great success — 12,500 life-saving meals were packaged in one hour. But that total was obliterated this year. In just 60 minutes, volunteers packaged 19,224.

“It was awesome,” said church member Melissa Shultz. Equally awesome? Melissa is in the process of forming a group to kick-start community involvement and create a platform for meeting new friends. Although the home base will be Tabernacle United Methodist, on Seashore Road, members of any and every denomination are welcome. “Bring your kids, your parents, your grandparents,” Melissa said.

Details, including the group name, are still being hammered out, but there are already some exciting events on tap, including a family cookie exchange happening December 20. Check out Tabernacle UMC on Facebook for more info.
Crushing Hunger: Part Two

Want to do some good this holiday season? Bring a non-perishable food item to the Cape May Fire Department from now through December 17, from 8am to 8pm every day. Donations will go toward the Cape May Food Closet, which benefits underprivileged people from our area.

“The members of Local 3495 are thankful for the support that the community has always given them; with the holidays nearing, they wanted to help give back to those in need,” said Michael Eck, Vice President of local 3495.

You may also bring donations to The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May. For more info, call 609-884-3949.

Cups For A Cause
Lace Silhouettes Lingerie is partnering with Cape May’s Center for Community Arts to present a Holiday Bra Extravaganza: Cups for a Cause. Staff members from both Lace Silhouettes and the Center for Community Arts will be designing, decorating and donating holiday-themed bras that will be on display and for sale at Lace Silhouettes on the Washington Street Mall through January 2, with all proceeds benefitting the Center for Community Arts. The best part? You’re welcome to participate, too.

The only requirement is that your bra be new and family-friendly. “They don’t necessarily have to be practical,” said Lace Silhouettes Assistant Manager/Buyer, Jen Matylewicz. “They can be fun and crazy, too.” You have until December 6 to drop off your mammary masterpiece; the unveiling of all bras will take place the following day at 11am. For more information, call 609-898-7448.

Seventh Annual Hospitality Night
On 12/6, it’s the merriest time of year to experience Lower Township.

City Tree-Lighting
On 12/6, turn up at 6:30pm and watch the lights come on at Rotary Park, in the center of downtown Cape May. Call 609-884-9565.

West Cape May Christmas Parade
On 12/7, bring some hot chocolate (or something a little spicier) and a cozy jacket and prepare to feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This is one of the very best small-town parades in the northeast; there are 12 marching bands, and it lasts for about three hours! Come for a bit, or the whole shabang. Starts at 5pm on Broadway.

Journey To Bethlehem
On 12/7, for the fifth year in a row, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Villas will be transformed into Bethlehem, the way it was when Jesus was born. Plus, there will be a live turtle nativity. Call 609-886-2414.

Trip To New York City
On 12/6, visit the Metropolitan Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art with Access to Art. Tickets are $90. Send checks to Access to Art, Inc., 417 E. Pacific Ave., CMCH, NJ 08210. Leaves from Cape May Court House Acme at 8:30am. Call 609-465-3963.

Christmas Bazaar And Luncheon
On 12/7, at the Church of the Advent, at 686 Washington Street, enjoy this old-fashioned bazaar, from 9am to 2pm.

Crafts At Christmas Show
On 12/7, if you’re still looking for that perfect tree-topper, head to Convention Hall from 10am-4pm for for handmade gifts and seasonal decorations and, most importantly, a big, fat dose of Christmas spirit. Call 609-884-9565.

Wassail Day
On 12/7, Historic Cold Spring Village opens its Homespun Holidays season with this free event, from 11am to 3pm. The Village paths come alive with the sounds and smells of wintertime. Select buildings will also be open where guests can enjoy hot beverages and treats served by historical interpreters in period clothing. Visitors can meet Father Christmas in the Country Store from 12-2pm and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride throughout the festively decorated Village grounds for a small donation. Guests can also enjoy live holiday music and a model railway exhibit in the Welcome Center.

Winter Shore Slam
On 12/10, the Center for Community Arts will open its Winter Shore Slam on at Lucky Bones Backwater Grille. Come sign up to tell a story, share a poem or put one over during the bull slam. Or, just come to enjoy the show. Doors open at 6:30pm and the competition goes from 7pm to 9pm. The theme for this Slam is ‘Before GPS’. Call the Center for Community Arts at 609-884-7525.

Convention Hall Concert
On 12/11, The Angelus Chorus returns to Cape May Convention Hall at 7:30pm with a selection of traditional and contemporary music. The chorus was founded in 1964 with a small group of local residents volunteering to sing Christmas carols for residents in the Angelus Convalescent Home in Wildwood. Call 609-884-9565.